T.I. has had a rough couple of months, which came to a head full blast last week.

The same week he talked a man out of committing suicide, T.I. was also sentenced to 11 months in prison stemming from his August arrest for possession of ecstasy, a violation of his probation (T.I. was convicted of weapons possession in 2008). Here is a mixtape chronicling the recent stress Tip has been having.

Merle Haggard – “Mama Tried”

A high school dropout, T.I., born Clifford Harris, grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and had been arrested several times as a kid for dealing drugs. This is country legend Merle Haggard’s famous ode to an early life behind bars.

The Notorious B.I.G. – “Machine Gun Funk”

Pixies – “There Goes My Gun”

The Jesus and Mary Chain – “Blues From a Gun”

The trouble that started it all was T.I.’s 2007 arrest for his purchase of several illegal machine guns. This is a trio of songs about guns –- the glorification, the manic high, and the end result.

Pulp – “Sorted For E’s and Wizz”

jj – “Ecstasy”

Tip’s problems continued as he returned to drugs, namely MDMA. Pulp’s “Sorted For E’s and Whizz” was a tribute to the rave culture in England, while jj’s contribution continues the tradition today.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – “Illegal Left”

A common trait found in these stories of those being pulled over and searched is that of the illegal U-turn. T.I. and his wife Tameka Cottle, did just that and got…

Supergrass – “Caught By The Fuzz”

Both T.I. and his wife were arrested August 29 for possession. Tip’s sentencing date was set for mid October.

The Replacements – “The Ledge”

As if T.I.’s life wasn’t complicated enough, it took a strange turn early last week. On Wednesday, a suicidal man stood on the ledge of a building in downtown Atlanta, with the intention to jump. Hearing about it on the radio, T.I. drove to the scene and convinced police to let him help.

R.E.M. – “Everybody Hurts”

After viewing a video of T.I. asking for the man to come down and talk to him, he did, making T.I. an unlikely hero.

The Verve – “The Drugs Don’t Work”

The negotiator incident unfortunately did not aid T.I.s legal problems. He was slammed with 11 more months prison time. He gave a heartfelt plea for leniency to the court, “I screwed up. I screwed up big time and I am sorry… I’m truly and sincerely sorry. I don’t want and I don’t need to use drugs anymore. I want them out of my life.”

Morrissey – “Sorry Doesn’t Help”

Ruling Judge Parnell was not convinced, “I think Mr. Harris had had about the limit of second chances”.

Wyclef Jean – “Gone Till November”

T.I.’s prison sentence is set to begin November 1st, so he’ll actually be gone till October, but with any luck, he’ll be making his new redemption a little sooner with good behavior. Get out soon Tip!